Heart Like a Wheel
Heart Like a Wheel

Movie spotlight

Heart Like a Wheel

1983
Movie
113 min
English

Shirley Muldowney is determined to be a top-fuel drag racer, although no woman has ever raced them before. Despite the high risks of this kind of racing and the burden it places on her family life, she perseveres in her dream.

Insights

IMDb6.7/10
Director: Vic MorrowGenres: Biography, Sport

Plot Summary

This biographical drama chronicles the life of Shirley "Cha-Cha" Muldowny, a determined woman who defied societal expectations to become a professional stock car racer in the 1950s and 60s. Despite facing constant skepticism and prejudice in a male-dominated sport, she persevered, driven by her passion for racing and her supportive father. The film depicts her struggles, triumphs, and personal relationships as she carves out a legendary career in motorsports.

Critical Reception

Heart Like a Wheel was generally well-received by critics, who praised its spirited performance from Bonnie Bedelia and its engaging portrayal of a determined female athlete breaking barriers. The film was appreciated for its authentic depiction of early stock car racing and its inspiring true story, though some found the pacing occasionally uneven.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for Bonnie Bedelia's compelling lead performance.

  • Applauded for its inspiring true story of a female athlete in a male-dominated field.

  • Noted for its authentic portrayal of early stock car racing.

Google audience: Audience reception on Google is not readily available.

Awards & Accolades

Bonnie Bedelia received a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress – Motion Picture Drama.

Fun Fact

Shirley "Cha-Cha" Muldowny herself served as a technical consultant on the film, ensuring the accuracy of the racing sequences.

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My Review

TMDB Reviews

2 reviews
Wuchak

Wuchak

**_Biopic of The First Lady of Drag Racing, Shirley “Cha Cha” Muldowney_** This is similar to “Coal Miner’s Daughter” from three years prior, just substituting drag racing for country musician. No, it’s not as good, but it ain’t bad. It ...

CinemaSerf

CinemaSerf

Long before there was Ru Paul, there was Bonnie Bedelia delivering quite a gutsy performance here in her own drag racing biopic of pioneering driver Shirley Muldowney. Her racing involved cars but otherwise wasn’t a lot less catty as her at...